I have read up on many recent posts (yes, the search feature is great and is my first go-to place for finding information before asking questions), but I didn't see anything specifically focused on the best carbon brake track technology in recent posts. Lots of manufacturers have brought new stuff to market in the past 6-12 months, thus my query into finding wheelset bliss.

Since it's been 3 years since my past wheel failure I'm interested to get real-world feedback on what's out there and what does and doesn't seem to work for heavier riders (~200 pounds). I've heard great things about the new Zipp layup and even a few positive comments that the Campy Hyperons might be worthwhile to check out. But what about the Mad Fibers and LW's?

In terms of importance, I'm not concerned about cost, so let's just throw that factor out the window. However, here's my ranked priority of what I need to know:

1. Brake track/heat dissipation capabilities2. Weight3. Aero

These wouldn't be used for racing (I've got some tubulars for these rides), just some nice bling to add to the bike.

And again we have to hope that it is coincidence that the Austrian Xentis has by far the "best" dry braking tested at the FH Vienna/Austria.And we have to ask why these guys do not test some Gigantex or Hong-Fu wheels together with some elite over priced wheelsets?Afraid of what?

i'm 95kgs and i'm riding with campag bullet ultra's (50mm) which are clinchers with an alloy brake track.

the braking is without doubt the best i have ever had on any road bike... i'm not sure how much is down to the brake track and how much is down to the campag dual pivot callipers (front and rear), but the braking knocks spots of my previous shimano dual-pivot on shimano rim combo, planet x forged on shimano rim combo and sram dual pivot on planet x combo.

I have clincher sets here frame most listed (I ain't riding no-name Chinese product) and I don't see anything on the market with a better track that Zipp.

It's certainly not from the couple of companies that use a coating, it's not from anyone that machines their carbon track and its not from a company that uses the same composite as the rest of the rim... Zipp have a different composite and a different resin mix and i dont believe anyone else reaches theyr blow off/ deflection temp and resistance to getting to that temp.

That said, several carb clinchers are very good now AND there are other things to look at in combination with braking tech for some very nice alternative selections, but right now Zipp have the best brake track build IMO...

I have first generation Zipp 202's, a pr of 404 tubies from 2005, and just bought a pr. of 404 Firecrest tubiess with a G3 Powertap. Also have a pr. of Reynolds DV46 clinchers with a Powertap that are four years old and with about 19,000 miles.

The best braking is with the Firecrests. Rode Six Gap yesterday with these, first ride on them too, and they were outstanding! I am very impressed with the performance of these wheels but that's a whole 'nother story.

I've had good luck with all of the above. The Reynolds are showing minimal wear on the brake tracks, but dang, they've been ridden the most and in the worst weather. I've just always used the recommended pads, now using Swisstop Yellow and Zipp grey with the new wheels, although they sure resemble the Swisstops in all but color. I see the "yellows" are on Zipp's approved list of pads for Firecrest.

Lots of steep up and down around here, too, so they get worked to extreme. And, other than only one ride with the Firescrest and Red brake calipers, the others have been used with everything from Zero-Gravity to 7800, 7900, Record 10, Super Record 11 calipers. I just always use the correct pads and brake as little as possible when descending. (If I'm gonna work that hard climbing I intend to have my reward going downhill .. ).

I finally had the opportunity to see a pair of 303 FC clinchers firsthand and the brake track design seems pretty stout. From what I could tell it looked like Zipp put some real thought behind their design.

The majority of carbon rim failures while riding are caused by people who don't know how to ride carbon wheels. Ride em like the P.R.O's! Of course if you continue to drag your brakes down a hill you're going to create more friction and heat. This combined with the wrong pad combo will result in disaster. Swiss stop(black prince) and soon R******'s will all have newer compounds to try to dissipate heat quicker to compensate for stupid riders who want to look cool with carbon wheels.

Timebandit.. you may be right in some cases but i know of plenty of "pro's" who have had failures from carbon wheels.. they just get to swap them out.. whereas regular people are stuck with a warped rim... its easy to say blah blah pro but like i say equipment fails it fails. even for the pro's.

All of the rims in the SMART Enve series have a brake track that is cut with a bit more of a rough texture than other CCs. This makes them quite a bit more grabby than other options. Additionally, the wider profile of the rim seems to help with heat dissipation on those longer descents.

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